Recurrence 2020

Abdul Halik Azeez
Rasamma, 2015
Inkjet Print on Archival Paper
24cm x 24cm

On 6^th –9^th January, 2020,

International Centre for Ethnic Studies presented

Recurrence: A conversation among six artists

at the Lionel Wendt Gallery Colombo, Sri Lanka

featuring

Abdul Halik Azeez, Hanusha Somasundaram, Nilani Joseph,

with Thamotharampillai Sanathanan,

Chandraguptha Thenuwara

& Jagath Weerasinghe

Six artists speak to each other, and all of us, exploring the ideas of recurrence and resilience in contemporary Sri Lanka.

Two women and four men, from different generations, of different ethnicities, from different geographies, and representing a broad canvas of socio-political backgrounds, reflect on the paradox of a country that has changed rapidly, yet still remains unchanged.

Their work is rooted in their childhood memories and politics of their circumstances. They resonate deeply with collective sentiments shared by many who live on the island.

Through a variety of mediums, these artists reflect, contest and explore achievement, loss, missed opportunities, grief and human resilience, and events that have had an uncanny capacity to recur.

Curatorial Team